The Long and Short of Human Toes

Are these the toes of royalty, or just a marathon runner?Courtesy jameiah
Ever look down at your feet and wonder why your toes look and move the way they do? You might even have heard the myth that having a second toe longer than your first (something orthopaedic surgeon Dudley Morton dubbed Morton's Toe) means you are more likely to be a criminal, or part of a royal family.
While having toes of different lengths (some longer or shorter than others) is completely normal, some people are so concerned about the size and shape of their toes that they get them shortened by a cosmetic surgeon. Other people need surgery on their toes and feet because the shape makes walking painful.
We all have toes of slightly different shapes and sizes, but did you know that human beings as a whole have comparatively shorter toes than most primates, including our closest relative, the chimpanzee? Compare us to other animals like cats and dogs, and you'll notice that their toes are REALLY short compared to the rest of their paws. What's going on here?
The researchers behind a new paper about the evolution of human toes think that the answer to why humans evolved such short toes might be related to long-distance running. According to researchers, having shorter toes - along with a number of other adaptations - probably gave our ancestors an edge when it came to endurance running, which was necessary to kill and eat large animals. This article from Wired Science explains:"...many modern anatomical features make sense in the context of savannah marathons. Achilles tendons act as springs to store energy. Our hind limbs have extra-large joints. Our buttocks muscles are perfect for stabilization, as are regions of the brain uniquely sensitive to the physical pitching generated by the motion of running. Toes may belong to this class of adaptations."
I've never been able to run a marathon, but this is still pretty cool news. Now, you might be asking yourself what will happen over time to the shape of human toes now that we no longer have to run down our dinner? According to toe researcher Campbell Rolian, "that's generally a question you could ask about many features of the human anatomy," said Rolian. Because it isn't required to push off, he said, "There's talk about whether the pinkie toe is eventually going to disappear."
Not the pinkie toe?! That one is my favorite.Source:Wired Science
Average:
Select ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesomeYour rating: NoneAverage: 3.8(18 votes)

Average:

Select ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesome

Your rating: NoneAverage: 3.8(18 votes)

Your Comments, Thoughts, Questions, Ideas

Candace says:

wow, you learn something new every day.! I didnt know that people could get surgery on toes to make the shape different. Then, do dctrs do surgery on people who want longer toes?

The podiatry and cosmetic surgery websites that I looked at listed toe shortening, toe straightening and something called a pinky toe tuck, which involves removing fat from the pinky toe to make it look longer. These procedures involve breaking or cutting out part of the bone in your feet, and putting them back together in a way that (hopefully!) still allows you to walk and run without pain. I didn't see anything about toe lengthening, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been done.

To me, not only does this kind of surgery for cosmetic reasons sound really painful, it seems like a big risk to take. Consider how much weight you put on your feet over a lifetime - and how much running, and jumping, and dancing...

The bones, whether or not they are "pretty," work really well considering how much you use them!

hello;
i m 22 yrs old. my 4th toe of the left foot is shorter than other toes. it is congenital and my mother also have it in her both foot. as i feel it doesn't create any problem in running.but sometimes i feel pain. my ques is, is there any way to make it longer.if yes let my know.

In my family there is a genetic mishap where the pinkie toe on the left foot is completely curved to the side. Out of my four siblings, I got it (thanks to my father... My gramma has it but he doesn't) The part of the toe that would normally be touching the ground rests on my other toe. Whether it is an advantage or disadvantage I have no idea. It doesn't cause a lot of pain but certainly creates a very interesting conversation at boring parties.
I think my toes are a bit on the long side (isn't there a scale so I could actually know???) but my pinkie toes are dramatically smaller.
NO WAY AM I GETTING SURGERY. So not worth it.

Hi i have the same problem i think my toes the last two are the same size and it looks a bit wierd. the last one curves and the one before the last never touches the ground because it rests on the last one. i am not particular about having surgery on it i am just really curious what it is :D

I have the exact same issue on my left foot & I've been self-conscious about it my whole life. My pinky toe curves & the one next to it is the same size as it & never touches the ground. I'm very nervous about wearing sandals or being barefoot around ppl because I don't want them to make fun of me or think I'm a freak. My fam & friends always try to convince me that no one will even notice it but I know that's not true because there's been times when i wore sandals & ppl stared at it. Earlier today, I also saw that a girl i know took a pic of someone's toes who also has the same issue & posted it on her instagram page to make fun of her. To me, that confirmed that ppl do notice & make fun of it. I asked my podiatrist about it & he said its actually a condition but I can't remember what its called. He said there is corrective surgery for it. I'm strongly considering having it done so I can feel normal & be confident. Good luck to you. :-)

I have the exact same problem, and its so embarrassing. I am also afraid to use sandals which show my toes I even put plasters around the second last toe to make it look longer... :-( Please let me know, how the surgery goes. xx

I have the same issue....my pinky toe snd the one next to it are the same size and it is very hard to wear sandles....as much as i love sandles i only wear them at home....if u find a good surgeon please let me know....ive seen it done on the dr's show and it looked eady and neat....it was a in and outpatient thing....

To those of you worried about the appearance of your feet and letting it dictate shoe choices dont.... look around everyones feet are different and unique its so not worth concerning yourselfvwith paint your toe nails and wear pretty sandales my pinky toes are weird at best and i paint my nails and wear sandales and open toe shoes all the time and other then my spouse noone has aknowledge it and he certainly doesnt care (his big toes are massively wide you ask me) on of my closest friends has web toes another gf has second toe way longer we all rock our sandales and love our pedi's

Oh trust me I know the feeling, and it's a bit odd to me that out of 4-5 children none of my aunts, uncles, and dad got it.(As it's first traces were found with my grandmother) Even after that, I (1 out of 3) was able to get a short fourth toe that kinda rests on my pinky toe and doesn't touch the ground on both feet. I believe it's called Brachymetatarsia.

It's not weird I have the same thing in my right foot and my last two toes are the same size and I always get inbaressed at school when no one actually cares I love my flip flops so I get really nervously that some one is gonna see but it's a part of life FYI do not get bone surgery for that stupid reason

My whole life my family have teased me with my feet, I was the only one is my family to get 2 totaly different shaped toes, my parents have two the same toes and same to all my brothers and sisters and even my unties and uncles and grand parents.

I'm so embrassed is this common or am I the only one in the world to have 2 dirrerent big toes.

I too have Mortons toe (or feet?) and these two kids at school keep saying my feet look like a dogs and that makes me feel uncomfortable. I try to ignore it, but it doesnt work and i just dont know what to do. Help me?!:(

I have the uglies toes going! Fat big toe, skinny long 2nd, normal but larger 3rd, and curved 4th, like a kidney bean. Pinky is the best one. All this in a size 7.
I am so jealous of the girls who can wear cute little shoes with their toes showing.
Then there's the ones who wear them anyhow. think it crosses the line when someone has nail fungus and tries to pull off sandles. YUK.

I suffer from the shortening of the fourth toe. It is very discomforting to wear "cute" sandals and when I try to I feel very self conscious. I have learned to choose non judgemental friends and just try to be comfortable in my own feet. Sugery seems painful and long term problems can occur.

Try not to hate your feet, what you describe is a perfect saxon foot. the curved 4th toe is because the joint is on an angle. The shape of your foot makes your stance much stronger than what fashion is calling a pretty foot. Hopefully with the new global market, eastern european countries will start selling us shoes that fit. When you start feeling that your feet are ugly, just look at all of the old masters paintings and sculptures. Your shaped foot was considered so beautiful and perfect that it was angelic or even godly. Maybe the people who are saying it is ugly are just jealous that they do not see their feet in any of the old masterpieces like the sistine chapel ceiling

I feel soo sad because I also see girls wearing pretty sandals and I have a size 7.5 but it upsets me because I never cared about my feet now I'am ashamed because certain people will say wow long and I feel bad.I have thought about having surgery but after reading that royalty had long toes and the statue of liberty does as well I feel a little bit better.I see all the women in my family they have size 5 or 6 shoe and I sometimes wish I could wear sandals again,so your not alone in the jealousy of seeing other girls wearing nice sandals with cute feet.

Having small feet isn't always the best. It's like saying grass is always greener on the other side. I have size 4 and can NEVER find my size. IF I'm lucky I can find a 5 some places but usually 6 is the smallest and that's impossible even with thick socks. It's hard when shoes in your size are all kiddie and have pictures of cartoon characters all over them. It sucks having your feet constantly feeling that they are slipping around and tripping over shoes that are too big.

Me too, Haivlyn! My toes are all between 0.5-1.5-inches long, including my big toe. But, that's one of the things that makes me unique. I think they're kind of cute, actually. AND, there are plenty of great sandals out there that disguise our toe-shortness. Don't sell yourself short on one of summer's greatest pleasures -- open-toed shoes -- simply because you have funky toes.

KelsieDayle where do you find these shoes! ??
Im in highschool nd all last yea I was OK with my toes until dis yr IV noticed ppl talking/laughing nd whispering about,talking about how they r disgusting looking. Which their NOt..theyre just super short =/
Now I feel super self conscious about them.I miss wearing sandals so much. Not to mentioned it spring and soon summer =(

I'm so sorry people are putting you down. As hard as it might be, confidence is always your best footware, so keep your chin up!

In the meantime... If you can find a pair of peep-toe shoes that your toes actually peep through (difficult, I know!) they are the best. Otherwise, I find t-strap sandals to be particularly flattering because they visually extend the line of your foot. You might feel "exposed" in these sandals, but trust me -- they really are great. Finally, getting sandals with a strap that goes across the width of your foot just below the toes is always a safe bet. Shopping for shoes to fit your unique feet will be a little more challenging, but that makes it all the more rewarding when you find them.

HI I am Justin and my family is from eastern europe and we all have extremely small toes what does and big feet are you the same race as me because id like to know if there is some kind of connection between races

I too have tiny toes... and Morton's toes! Growing up, I could never understand why those cartoons of foot impressions on the beach or wet on the ground were sort of straight at the top! lol!! I didn't realise other people's toes where in line! lol! Personally I like my little toes, they are neat and sweet and look lovely in sandals - and most of the people I know HATE their feet and toes and their toes look huge and ugly in comparison. They are are either long/huge and bony shaped or just clunky! lol! Haivlyn - celebrate those tiny toes ! KelsiDayle - my big toe is just over 1.25 inches long! But then... I am only just 5 feet tall !

You're hysterical. You just put this all in perspective! I have felt proud and distressed about my chubby toes. I've had comments like 'o god you're wearing black polish!' And, 'I love you're strawberry toes!!'. Anyway, I accept what they are. Though I still put it out there that I'd rather they strecth as I get older than they shrivel into narly curly things. Kiss my feet.

You're mean. I hope you feel good about putting other people down who have "huge and ugly" feet. You are only 5 feet tall...hmmm, what if I said people who are 5 feet tall are short and clunky?
By the way, it's not, 'where in line", it's "were in line".

i guess i really don't worry about my toes that much, i stub my second toes frequently, they're not overly longer, maybe .25". sizes of toes do not make you any smarter than anyone else as i have heard. i know people with long and short toes and no difference is noticeable.

I have the weirdest feet of anyone. My first 3 toes are normal, but my 4th toes is the same size as my pinky toe. It is like this on both feet, and I really don't think that it's normal. It makes me really self-conciencess when people talk about my feet and they make fun of me, but I cant help it. Does anyone else have feet/toes like mine? Did you find out what was wrong?

My second toe is longer than all of my other toes...but this isn't what the problem is, my 3rd, 4th and 5th toe are just a lot shorter than my second toe....UGH!! SO annoying...I feel suuuuper self conscious about it....and nobody has ever said anything about it but I'm seriously considering getting surgery. The only thing that's holding me back is that it might compromise my walking abilities...which is really not wroth it. WHat to do what to do??? any suggestions??

My toes on my left foot is ok except 1 toe it really short an kinds of stick up it next to the pinky an nobody iknw have this toe I don't wear sandals I say it disgusting an makes me feel lefted out my right foot is normal Some one help me out

Who ever this is dont feel bad i was born with both my feet that way. My moms left foot was the same as yours too but her right foot was normal. Then i found out my dad had both his feet like mine with the fourth toe smaller then the rest, all the other toes r normal except for the fourth toe. I guess its hereditary. I had two kids but they were born with their dads feet not mine thank god. But it is possible their kids could have a child born with my little fourth toe. Im thinkinking of surgery and my husband says whatever u want to do is fine with me. But god made me this way for a reason and that im am still trying to figure out. Everyone is born with a flaw or abnormality no one in this world is perfect! He has blessed me with beauty, talent, my beautiful two kids, my life and all i can think about are my feet somethings wrong with me. I shouldnt care what other people think they dont know me but all you people out there that have the same problem as i do know exactly what im talking bout! Your being judged the minute people see ur toes, thats when u start hearing the whispering and people talk behind ur back! Hey let em talk their going to anyway so let em waste their breath u r u and u have a life dont let anyone make u feel unwanted because of ur feet! If someone cant accept u the way u r i say forget them they r not true friends!

loved ur comment.. cause i have the same feet histoy about my parents... and even i have the same type of feet.. i feel very much complex.. but i have tried to gain a bit of confidence now.. i have gradually started wearing open flats or flip flops also i have started focusing on cleanliness of feet more than ever... like scrubbing and moisturizing by my favorite freeman scrub and lotion and going out for pedicure once a month... any idea that which type of nail colors would look better on the feet? thanks alot

Exactly like me!! No one in my family or i knw has it. Its only on my left feet. I used to wear sandals until noticed it but then i dont. But still try to wear it n feel normall but i m alwais concernd bout ppl noticing

I have that same condition. My forth toe is smaller than pinky and sticking up on my left feet. Went to see a doctor and told me, that its genetic and very common bla bla.. theres no need for a surgery unless its painfull or necessary. Im also a bit shamed of it, i dont let anyone see my toes.I've decided to just live with it, at least no one sees it and im lucky its not worst.

my toes are tiny and i fell like i can't ever take my socks off around my friends because it always starts a conversation with them i want to be able to go to the beach and pool and not be afraid to show my feet and if i get the surgery will it effect my walking/running?

I know we're talking about toes here, but I was wondering if any of you lovely people can relate to some other fun, weird, and interesting things I have going on in the skeletal department.
I was born with several abnormalities, not noticeable unless you're a physician thank the Lord, many of which cause daily pain and discomfort when doing normal activities. However, I am passionate about dancing, so I use what talents I have to bring awe to audiences who come to watch our indoor Winterguard performances. :)

So first of all, my second toe is approximately 2 inches long, the length of a pinky finger. And the length of the second metatarsal is very thin compared to the "head" part of the toe, which sticks out a bit toward the third toe and is shaped like a little egg on its side, sort of. My little sister told me today that "everyone is born with a phenotypic feature they don't like about themselves, like how I have a big nose, and you have long toes. that's just how God made us, especially for his glory." Bless her heart. Well, a longer second toe makes walking, standing, and dancing pretty hard for me. Trying to brush my foot across the floor creates excess drag and friction with rond de jambes, turns, jumps, and releve in general. I have a more serious condition known commonly as severe flexible flat foot, which means that standing regularly, the entire sole of my foot pronates and touches the floor. However, in my case of flexible flat foot, I am able to extremely supinate my foot both in standing and in releve, creating an arch. Even through exercising my feet every day, all I have gained is muscle bulk on inside arch of my foot. It's kind of creepy, especially when I'm teaching my Guard girls how to strengthen their feet. They look at my feet in shock. So, if you look at pics of me performing last year before I knew how to handle foot flexibility, it's disturbing to see my feet pronated into the ground without arch control. It's worse that we perform barefoot so there are no shoes to hide the scary pronation. I think I also have a short heel, and I have to place an object in most of the heel ends of my shoes so that they fit properly without bending out at the sides. I need more flexibility in my second metatarsal joint, which allows you to point your toes, and I have found it very painful when I unsuccessfully try to stand or put lots of pressure on top of my toe bones. I have been considering surgery to give me actual arches in the bones of my feet. I have watched several types of surgeries for this, and they are all ridiculously scary and risky if you're not in the best hands possible. And the recovery period is too long to allow me to dance the day away... I've never had surgery before, and I used to want to be a surgeon but it's just too gruesome after seeing the foot surgeries. D: Scary!

Most of my full body aching pain, which began in 6th grade, is caused by my moderate scoliosis. My spine is off on a 17 degree angle, which causes more stretch on the left side of my body, less flexibility on the right, and lower spinal torsion because the 4 vertebrae right above my sacrum are all twisted on top of each other. Sometimes I have to leave the room during classes just to crack my back into place again and be able to sit comfortably.

Another weird thing is that the front left side of my rib cage is flat on an upward angle as it slopes up toward the sternum. If I put my hand flat on it, there is a 3/4 inch depression level difference between the flat left side and the round right side of my ribs. It makes popping sounds and I have to literally crack my collar bones and sternum back into place every single morning when I wake up because they are halfway dislocated while I am asleep. Also I can literally touch my shoulders to my ears because my collar bones will lift up enough to do that.

I tore both of my hamstrings and some small mucles in my legs 2 years ago while trying to improve my splits. As a result, my knee and hip tendons are super tight. If I want to extend my legs, the tendon on the inside of my knee has to pop up and out of place to allow full extensions. My hip joints crack and make a crumbling sound when I rotate the leg in a circle. Turnout is ouchy most days. It hurts to sit down and to walk because there is extra pull on my hamstrings, which tightened because of improper healing. The pressure of sitting causes aches, and I'm debilitated sometimes because it feels like there's a wicked little gnome driving a chiesel into the top of my femurs when I'm having a "hamstring attack".

So, that's the catalogue of my personal sideshow... I hope that at least a few people will have something to relate to. Cheer up! I dance because I've been given exactly what I need to dance and spin flags, rifles, and sabres and do pretty crazy tricks. And I love it! I couldn't ask for more, except the consideration of the surgery. But I'm questioning that still. :)

Julep, Wondering how old you are and if anyone has ever put all your symptoms together, as it fits the profile for congenital contractural arachnodactlyly. I know that term sounds crazy, but please talk to your doctor about it and they can rule it out. it is a genetic disorder characterized by long limbs, scoliosis, rib cage issues, loss of muscle (as you described in your feet) and muscle issues like the pulled hamstrings. it also rarely causes heart issues, which is why I am writing so you have a doctor check into this and likely rule it out. i don't want to scare you but could also not let it go without replying.I am a PT and have been looking up the issue the same day I saw your post. I know your post was from 2011 , but hope this gets to you.

I have super long toes! Longer than all those around me... My big toe is 5cm while my pinky is 3 cm.And the 5 toes are all aligned in such a way that they slant down in a perfectly straight line... My mum and aunties are always teasing me about it cause they all have short toes and small feet! XD But i don't particularly care~ X)

My big toes are crooked. I don't have bunions. I don't have corns. When I stand with my feet together, the nails on my big toes are FACING each other! Does anyone else have this problem? It looks like my big toes should be switched and put on the other foot. It is very unattractive and now they are beginning to hurt because it feels ike I am walking on the toenail when I wear high heels. It seems like if some of the fat under my big toes could be removed, then the toe would lay flat.

I'm a size 8, sometimes i can fit into 7.5 and ,y second toe is longer than the rest of my toes. the others are normal, its just that dumb second toe. i can't wear peep toe shoes because that second toe kind of curves to the side and it looks weird. i just want to know what kind of shoes i can where that would compliment my feet instead of looking longer.

the human body has 206 bones 14 of them are bones in the toes...I'm a size 7-7 1/2. and my toes are less than an inch long I only have 1 joint in my toes they can't curl or bend...but to me they are super cute!!!

I have really long slender toes. And really flat feet. I'd like to wear flats but all the tops of flats now are cut so short! They end up not covering all of my toes and the edge of the shoe cuts across my big toe bone. Does anyone else have this problem?

I too suffer from the short 4th toe.... I've been doing research and now considering surgery. I think I am a very beautiful individual but the fact that my toe is different from what society considers normal makes me feel a little self conscious. I always wear socks and I only wear peep toe sandals. I am 27 y/o and I have never let a boyfriend see my feet. My mom & a few of my other relatives has this condition, medically known as brachymetatarsia, as well. I have a 3 y/o daughter that I hope does not develop this condition. I know you should be proud of the way God created you but I would be lying if I said it's easy. If you would like to learn more on this condition as well as see before and after pictures from the actual surgeries click on the following link or copy and paste into your browser: http://www.cosmeticfootsurgery.com/brachymetatarsia.htm Hope this helps!!

Ive always had an issue with my feet. Im a very attractive girl and very petite. Ppl say perfect but if u look down at my feet u would probably cry :( I have really big and fugly toes. Im a size 8 and am the ONLY one in the family with this problem.
I have never worn thongs (I dream of walkin out in havianas) Lol.. My family & friends say there not as bad as i make it out to be but they are and i cant help feelin this way :( Im so so self conscious about this. I have
been with my bf for 6 months now and have never showed him my feet :( I need serious HELP!!!!!!!!!!!! Lmfufo (Laughing My F

okay just looked up this site and WOW,my feet are long and skinny but my toes are like well lets say the big toe is the longest then its goes down down down to the pinkie, people always said I had Fred Flinstones feet, is this anyone elses problem

My third toe on my left foot is shorter than my pinky....for years I wouldn't wear open toe shoes, well now I do! There's too many cute shoes out here for us to be missing out. Besides, there's people with no feet at all so we need to consider ourselves blessed.

My 1st 3 toes are long and the last 2 are short with the pinky toe curve and the next to the last doesn't touch the ground.the next 2 the last toe hurts.
I cant wear certain shoes because it hurts and i don't wear my toes out in public because people picks at me...is there anything i can get done about it?

I seriously want to say to most of you, you are describing normal feet. Those people who discuss your feet.. what is wrong with them, dont they have a life? They all have different feet too! Dont let idiots get to you. Most of you do NOT need surgery and your feet sound healthy and fine.

i have the same feet.. first 3 toes are normal at there sizes.. but those two toes at the end are almost of the same size!!! i feel very muchhhh complex over it... :( i know its somehow thanklessness over God's blessing.. when i see people without feet or foot.. but i feel ashamed when people constantly look at my feet!!! then i go back to my pumps!!! after a few days i try wearing open flats n all... !! what should i do to gain my confidence level?

i have the same problem i have very weird feet well my left foot is kinda ok i can live with that because it just my 4th toe is same size as my pinky but the problem is my right foot. in my right foot 4th toe never touches the ground its on top of all of them and shorter than all too. I can never wear open flats cuz i feel like people staring at it and i feel very embarrassing. Even if i wear toe covered toes still little bit of my toe shoes because its very chubby and top of all. Please let me know if i can get anything done to pix it or put it down like my left toe WITHOUT SURGERY. i dont care about the size it can stay short but i do care when its not usual and on top of all the other ones and looks very scary. i am the only one from my family that has weird toe like this. please let me know what can be done without surgery cuz i dont have insurance neither am i rich.

I myself have two different sized big toes and very short and stubby other toes. Like my big toes are lomger than the rest, and get this only my left foot fits in cute shoes because the right foot's big toe is longer and the other toes are fatter, so there's no finding nice shoes for that foot. But you know what I've come to embrace my originality, all this time I was so scared of my toes and how they looked but when I actually got the courage to go out with open toed sandals I was complimented on how weird and cute my toes are, so dont ever down yourself because you are so much better than that.

i have longer second toes than my big toes and my fourth toe on my left foot is bigger than my right, making it hard to find comfortable shoes...that is unless i get sneaky and put the left shoe a half size up in my box ;) i bet they are confused when they have one of each pair remaining but i paid for a pair that fit!

I was born with brachymetatarsia which means on my left foot my fourth toe is smaller. I hate it when summer comes because I cnt were flipflops or go to the beach with my kids. I'am soooo ashamed of my foot but thank god my right foot is normal.I did go see a doctor but he said why fix it if I have somebody that loves me.I told him put your self in my position and see how would you feel.All I want is to wear sandals... everytime I see a girl in sandals I'm soooo jealous.

I was actually looking for information reguarding my sons feet,he is 17months old and his second toe on both of his feet over lay his big toe. A couple people have told me this is very bad. I was just wondering if i should be concerned?

I too have a similar thing...first i have a Morton's toe and also my fourth toe is shorter than the fifth on both of my feet..im thinkin that il stay with it instead of opting for surgery...its god given and not at all painful...

Hey.. looking at these comments I've noticed alot of people have the same delimma as me.. I have normal sized feet with small toes as well! I call them my baby toes. And over the years I realized I can not do anything about my imperfection. Id say I'm a pretty girl.. but I
also had been made fun of for my tiny toes. Especially this last year of high school. I stood up for myself and threw my cares out the window. Shallow people will dive at the first imperfection they see because it lifts up their insecurities and egos. I've been told my baby toes were cute and I even keep up with sandal tends, unlike before when I'd never wear sandals and was embarrassed by a lovely part of me I couldn't change. Your feet are a beautiful part of you you should love too. Society and specific people have an unrealistic, contradictory view of beauty...mainly because everyone has something they would die to change about themselves. Remember, nothing is more ugly than a person who's insecurities allow them feed off others. I'd rather have weird toes than have an disgusting personality. I hope I've lifted some spirits!

I have been reading these post with great interest. Everyone has their stories about their "ugly" feet. I have mine as well. In a nutshell, I wear a 4.5 D shoe, have flat feet and wore orthopedic shoes until I was abut 20. Yes, it can be a challenge to find shoes, but they are available.

Both of my second toes were longer than my first toes. I created a significant challenge with blisters, so I went to a podiatrist. One option was surgery.

I had surgery. They shortened my second and third toe and lengthened my big toe. It wasn't fun, but I have less foot pain and fewer blisters.

However, when you have that surgery, there are some downsides. I was unable to put any weight on the foot for almost three months each time. Now my toes are more in line with what people would identify as normal, but I have some "pretty" good scars.

I never worried about how my feet looked, so I didn't have surgery for appearance. Talk to someone who spends his or her life in a wheelchair, and I would guess they would opt for "ugly" toes any day.

My daughter is 10: She has a big toe and I call them`4 pinky toes,,,should I be worried? Does anyone else have this problem, No one else in my family has feet this way, and no one on her father's side does. Its a problem buying her shoes but other than that she doesnt complain.

I just found out what my condition is called, it actually has a name. Despite all the descriptions made, Its called Brachymetatarsia. Check if you have the same, i think most of the people are talking about this same problem.

I have always hated my feet. I have webbed toes on both feet. More noticable on the left. My big toes are qute round and stick up. The second two are the same length and the third and fourth toes are shorter but also the same lenght. They go down in like a step. Iwear sandles but dont like wearing them incase people notice. It really gets me down. Anyone else have feet like this?

I am 38 yrs old,five foot two,female who is half Mexican and also Italian. My big toe is only about 1 and a half inches,my second toe is about three mm longer than the big one.My third toe is exactly the same length as the second one.My fourth toe starts way lower in my foot so it appears short but is actually just slightly shorter..and my little toe is completely curved sideways so it steps down on its side totally. I have collapsable arches that are nearly flat.compared to my total foot length my toes are really long looking..I can move every single one of my toes independantly of the others,and can completely bend my second toe at the "knuckle" area without bending any of the others. I was born with a crack running down my right big toemail,and it has always regrown in with that crack in it all my life. I have never felt my toes feet or anything were ugly,odd or too big or small. I have never worn heels.I have worn boots for the last 20 years,but I would wear open toed shoes or sandals in public if I liked such shoes,I dont. I have no shame with my feet.I would never waste good money to change my toes,something so easily not shown.That hardly even matters in my world.If I wanted surgery Id get a breast reduction.Who cares abt plastic toe surgery?wow. My feet have never given me any pain,I have no bunions or corns or anything and my foot has been broken twice also,once while homeless and forced to waalk all day ON a cracked foot.It healed perfectly in spite of this fact. I like my feet as is. I have only had one person ever comment on my feet once ever,and she said I have really long toes wow. I looked at her as if she were insane and needed to F off,got in the elevator and left her with her stupid comment. No one else has ever said a word. I have never had a pedicure.I paint my toenails black all the time on my own. I can move my fingers one by one also,and have double jointed hips.My finger length is like what is claimed to be a mans finger length,the ring finger is way shorter than the ring one,the ring finger way longer on both hands. I think thats really not true that all women have long index fingers.Mine is very short.

Hi
My second finger on my right foot is about 1cm longer than my "big toe" and it seems kind of weird! I don't know if I should risk doing a surgery on my foot or not.
I always feel ashamed to go outside wearing sandals or being in a friend's house on bare feet :(
I'm 18 and would appreciate any help if received.
(Sorry for bad English :D )

You may embed videos from the following providers vimeo, youtube. Just add the video URL to your textarea in the place where you would like the video to appear, i.e. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw0jmvdh.